Staff Biographies

MONSIGNOR JOHN P. ZENZ, PASTOR Ordained July 1, 1978, Monsignor Zenz serves as Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Birmingham, and Episcopal Vicar for the Northwest Region of the Archdiocese (Vicariates of Birmingham-Bloomfield-Troy, Farmington-Southfield, Lakes, and Southeast Oakland).

Monsignor Zenz received a doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in March 1984 and has served on the faculty of Sacred Heart Major Seminary continuously since 1979. He was Archdiocesan Director of Religious Education from 1984-1986; Chancellor from 1986-1990; and Moderator of the Curia and Vicar General from 1990-2008. He became Pastor of Holy Name Parish on June 1, 2008.

From 1982 through 2005, Monsignor was a weekend associate at Holy Name Parish in Birmingham. He also served as associate at St. Raphael Parish in Garden City (1978-1981) and St. Anselm Parish in Dearborn Heights (weekends 1981-1984). Monsignor Zenz is on the Board of the Academy of the Sacred Heart and chaplain to the Detroit Chapter of the National Christ Child Society. He is also currently chaplain to the Detroit Cardinal Club and was formerly a chaplain to the Detroit Chapter of Legatus.

Monsignor has extensive experience in working with the Catholic Television Network of Detroit, with the writing of the Jublilee 2000 Archdiocesan spiritual renewal program, and has been a frequent presenter in the popular Theology on Tap series since 1999.

MICHAEL J. McKALE, DEACON Michael McKale was born in Dayton, Ohio, and attended the University of Dayton where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. His J.D. degree was earned at the Salmon P. Chase School of Law. Currently, after 40 years with GM and Delphi, Mike retired and is now the Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He and his wife Joyce are the parents of five children. Michael was ordained to the Permanent Deaconate on October 19, 1985. His ministry as Permanent Deacon includes conducting various liturgical services such as Eucharistic Celebrations, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, and Devotions.

DEB SHINDER, PASTORAL ASSOCIATE FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE, ADULT FAITH FORMATION AND EVANGELIZATION Deborah Shinder serves as Christian Service Coordinator and Director of Adult Faith Formation including the RCIA process. A graduate of Oakland University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Deborah's studies have also included Graduate course-work in Instructional Design at Wayne State University and American History at Oakland University. Currently she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Prior to joining the parish staff, Deborah cared for her family and worked as a literacy and ESL tutor. Her extensive community experiences include service in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice settings. Deborah and her husband live in Birmingham.